The 14th-ranked Middlebury women’s golf team begins its fall season on Saturday, September 13 when it heads to Massachusetts for the Ann S. Batchelder Match Play Championship. The program comes off a stellar 2024-25 campaign that included its first NESCAC Title and a share of sixth place at the NCAA Championship.

Middlebury boasts seven returners, including three from its NCAA and conference championship lineup alongside four new faces. Morgan Lee was the Panthers' top finisher in six events a year ago while earning All-NESCAC First Team and Women’s Golf Coaches Association (WGCA) Region I honors. Lee tied for the team lead with five top-10 finishes and took home medalist honors at the Williams Spring Invitational, shooting a combined score of 146 over the two-day event. 

Ella Han earned four top-25 finishes and a team-best opening round of 71 during the NCAA Championship. The All-NESCAC Second Team selection finished with a four-day score of 200 at the national event to claim 22nd.

The final returner from the squad’s postseason lineup is Elizabeth Whalen. She had five rounds of 80 or better during her rookie season and earned a tie for 21st (84-82-80-246) at the league championship. Teegan Duffy competed in five invitationals a year ago, highlighted by an 18th-place finish at the Williams Spring Invitational (78-82-160).

Walko was named the 2024-25 NESCAC Coach of the Year and returns for his third season guiding the program. Chloe Levins ‘20 and Paul Politano also rejoin the staff as assistant coaches.